Cleaning Apparatus with Splash Shield

ABSTRACT

A brush apparatus for cleaning the interior of a bottle having a handle, a scrubbing portion, and a removable splash shield. The handle includes a grip portion and a channel for removably securing the splash shield to the handle. A plurality of bristles extend radially outward from a bristle stem to form a brush having a substantially cylindrical scrubbing portion. The removable splash shield functions as a shield to contain splashing while cleaning a bottle and when the user removes the scrubbing portion from the bottle. A smaller nipple brush is contained within the handle grip portion of the brush.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/656,277,filed Dec. 28, 2009, currently pending, which claims priority ofProvisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/203,630, incorporated hereinby reference, is hereby claimed.

STATEMENTS AS TO THE RIGHTS TO THE INVENTION MADE UNDER FEDERALLYSPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

None

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus used forcleaning containers. More particularly, the present invention relates toan improved utensil for cleaning containers such as baby bottles andcups, including the internal surfaces thereof.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

The importance of proper hygiene when handling and cleaning infantfeeding containers such as baby bottles cannot be overstated. Ideally,bottles should be thoroughly scrubbed with detergent, and thereaftersterilized between uses such as by immersion in boiling water or othersimilar process.

The use of bottle scrubbing brushes during the cleaning process is wellknown in the prior art. Such bottle brushes take many forms, butgenerally consist of a utensil having a shaft with a number of bristlessecured at or near the distal end of said shaft. In most cases, suchbristles radiate outwardly from the shaft to provide a cleaning brushthat can be inserted into the interior of a bottle to be cleaned.

To scrub most effectively, the cleaning surfaces of the brush should bepressed firmly against the inside wall of a baby bottle. The larger thebrush, the more such scrubbing pressure tends to be created when thebrush is constrained within the bottle. Unfortunately, articles such asbaby bottles have relatively narrow mouths or openings, and brushes mustbe passed through such restricted openings in order to fit within andaccess the inner surfaces of such bottles.

Accordingly, the need arose for a bottle brush (and, more particularly,the bristles of such brush) capable of compressing to pass easilythrough a narrowed opening of a bottle, while still generatingsufficient expansive force for effectively scrubbing the interiorsurfaces of such bottle. Flexible brushes are desirable for combiningthe benefits of compressibility with the expansive force of a largerbrush. Although flexible brushes are generally efficient utensils forscrubbing the interior of baby bottles, these articles present severaldifficulties in practice.

One very significant disadvantage resulting from the compressibility offlexible brushes is the resulting spray caused by the expansion ofbristles as such brushes are withdrawn through a restricted bottleopening. The rapid expansion of a brush (and, more particularly, theflexing of the bristles) as a brush is removed from a bottle openingcreates a spray capable of inadvertently contaminating sterilecontainers and/or clean surfaces across significant distances. Suchspray can also spread to a person cleaning a bottle and/or thesurrounding environment. For this reason, a need still exists in the artfor a brush which will overcome known problems associated with cleaningbottles and other containers with conventional brushes.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved bottle brushapparatus, for cleaning articles such as baby bottles. It is aparticular object of the present invention to provide an improved bottlebrush apparatus that can generate sufficient expansive bristle force forscrubbing against the wall of a bottle when positioned within suchbottle, yet can pass easily through a restricted opening of such bottlefor insertion and removal. It is a still more particular object of thepresent invention to provide an improved bottle brush apparatus having asplash shield to prevent inadvertent contamination of people or objectsin the vicinity of such apparatus.

The present invention provides a bottle brush apparatus having a splashshield removeably secured to a handle, wherein such splash shieldsurrounds a scrubbing portion at the end of the handle. The scrubbingportion includes a plurality of radially extending bristles disposedalong the length of a bristle stem. The splash shield operates tocontain any splashing caused during insertion of the scrubbing portioninto, and withdrawal from, a container such as a baby bottle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunctionwith the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating theinvention, the drawings show certain preferred embodiments. It isunderstood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specificmethods and devices disclosed.

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective view of the cleaning apparatus ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the cleaning apparatus of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the cleaning apparatus of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the cleaning apparatus of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the cleaning apparatus of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 depicts a side section view of the cleaning apparatus of thepresent invention partially inserted in a baby bottle along line 6-6 ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 7 depicts a detailed side view of a portion of the cleaningapparatus of the present invention depicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 depicts a side section view of the cleaning apparatus of thepresent invention partially inserted in a baby bottle.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of the cleaning apparatus of the presentinvention with the flexible splash shield flipped back to expose thebrush of the present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts a side, partially exploded view of an alternativeembodiment of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 11 depicts a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment ofthe cleaning apparatus of the present invention depicted in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspectiveview of cleaning apparatus 100 according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. Cleaning apparatus 100 generally comprises brushassembly 10 and splash shield assembly 20.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in the preferred embodiment, brush assembly10 includes substantially cylindrical and elongate central member 11having a first end 11 a and a second end 11 b. Said elongate centralmember 11 has a longitudinal axis, as well as a circumference about saidlongitudinal axis. Handle grip 12 is disposed generally near end 11 a ofsaid elongate central member 11, while bristle stem 13 is disposedgenerally near the opposite end (end 11 b) of said elongate centralmember 11. In the preferred embodiment, handle grip 12 is beneficiallysized and configured to be gripped in one hand of a user, and ispreferably made of a durable and resilient gripping material.

Channel 14 is beneficially formed at a desired position along thelongitudinal axis of elongate central member 11 between handle grip 12and bristle stem 13. In the preferred embodiment, channel 14 extendssubstantially around the entire circumference of elongate central member11. Handle 12 is preferably molded as a one piece member using a rigid,durable polymer material.

Still referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of flexible bristles 30 areaffixed to, and extend radially outward from, bristle stem 13. In thepreferred embodiment, bristles 30 are arrayed in multiple bristle setsand collectively define a scrubbing portion that is substantiallycylindrical in shape, and is sized and configured so as to be able toefficiently scrub the inside of a container such as a baby bottle.Bristles 30 are preferably made of a flexible material so that saidbristles 30 bend and/or compress to minimize interference when bristlestem 13 is inserted or withdrawn through the opening of a container(such as, for example, a baby bottle). After insertion into a bottle orother container, said bristles can further beneficially expand to exertforce against the interior surface of such container during cleaning.

In the preferred embodiment, splash shield assembly 20 has a generallyelongate bell-shaped configuration having an upper section 27 and lowersection 28. Said splash shield assembly 20 is generally tapered, suchthat said splash shield assembly 20 is wider at its bottom and narrowerat its top. Relatively wider lower section 28 permits said splash shieldassembly 20 to fit over short, wide bottles, while relatively thin uppersection 27 permits said splash shield assembly 20 to fit over long, thinbottles.

In the preferred embodiment, splash shield assembly 20 further includeslower aperture 21 defining bottom rim 25, and upper aperture 22 definingupper rim 26. Said splash shield assembly 20 is preferably made of apliable yet substantially rigid material embodying a one piece design.Splash shield assembly 20 further defines inner surface 23 and outersurface 24, and is preferably constructed using a substantiallytransparent material that permits objects contained within said splashshield assembly to be visible from outside said splash shield assembly.

In the preferred embodiment, lower aperture 21 is sufficiently large tofit over bristles 30 of brush assembly 10, as well as to permit acontainer (such as a baby bottle) to be inserted into the interior spaceformed by splash shield assembly 20. Upper aperture 22 is beneficiallysized and configured so that upper rim 26 can be received within channel14 to removably secure splash shield assembly 20 to elongate member 11.Upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20 has sufficient elasticityto permit said upper aperture 22 to stretch around the circumference ofhandle grip portion 12 of elongate central member 11, yet sufficientrigidity to support cleaning apparatus 100 in an upright position whensaid apparatus is placed on a substantially horizontal surface (such as,for example, in a sink or on a kitchen counter).

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the cleaning apparatus of thepresent invention. Brush assembly 10 includes elongate central member 11having handle grip 12 and bristle stem 13. Channel 14 (partiallyobscured from view in FIG. 2) is beneficially formed at a desiredposition along the longitudinal axis of elongate central member 11between handle grip 12 and bristle stem 13, and extends substantiallyaround the entire circumference of elongate central member 11.

A plurality of bristles 30 are anchored to, and extend radially outwardfrom, bristle stem 13. In the preferred embodiment, bristles 30 arearrayed in multiple bristle sets, and collectively define a scrubbingportion that is substantially cylindrical in shape. Bristles 30 arepreferably constructed of a flexible material as noted above.

Splash shield assembly 20 generally has lower aperture 21 and upperaperture 22, as well as inner surface 23 and outer surface 24. In thepreferred embodiment, the diameter of splash shield assembly 20 issufficiently large to fit over bristles 30 of brush assembly 10 withinthe interior space formed by splash shield assembly 20, such that saidbristles will not extend below bottom rim 25. Brush assembly 10 isreceived within upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20. Upperaperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20 forms upper rim 26 that isbeneficially sized and configured to be received within channel 14 ofbrush assembly 10 in order to removably secure said splash shieldassembly 20 to elongate member 11. In the preferred embodiment, splashshield assembly 20 is transparent, so that bristles 30 of brush assembly10 are visible from outside said splash shield assembly 20.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the cleaning apparatus of the presentinvention. Brush assembly 10 includes elongate central member 11 havinghandle grip 12 and bristle stem 13. Channel 14 (partially obscured fromview in FIG. 3) is beneficially positioned at a desired position alongthe longitudinal axis of elongate central member 11 between handle grip12 and bristle stem 13, and extends substantially around the entirecircumference of elongate central member 11. A plurality of bristles 30extends radially outward from bristle stem 13 of elongate central member11. Bristles 30 are arrayed in multiple bristle sets, and define ascrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical in shape.

Splash shield assembly 20 is removably secured to brush assembly 10. Inthe preferred embodiment, brush assembly 10 is disposed through upperaperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20, with upper rim 26 beingreceived within channel 14. Further, in the preferred embodiment, thebase of brush assembly 10 does not extend below bottom rim 25 of saidsplash shield assembly 20.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of cleaning apparatus 100 of the presentinvention. Brush assembly 10 includes handle grip 12. A plurality ofbristles 30 extend radially outward from bristle stem 13 (obscured fromview in FIG. 4). In the preferred embodiment, bristles 30 are arrayed inmultiple bristle sets that are relatively narrow at their base 31 (nearbristle stem 13), and flared wider at outer extent 32. Said bristles 30define a scrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical in shape.Transparent splash shield assembly 20 generally contains bristles 30 ofbrush assembly 10 within the interior space formed by splash shieldassembly 20.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the cleaning apparatus 100 of thepresent invention. Elongate central member 11 (obscured from view inFIG. 5) defines bristle stem 13. Bristles 30 are arrayed in multiplebristle sets that are relatively narrow at base 31 (near bristle stem13), and flared wider at outer extent 32. Said bristles 30 define ascrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical in shape.Transparent splash shield assembly 20 generally contains bristles 30 ofbrush assembly 10 within the interior space formed by splash shieldassembly 20.

FIG. 6 depicts a side section view of the cleaning apparatus of thepresent invention partially inserted within baby bottle 40 along line6-6 of FIG. 4. Bristles 30 contact inner surface 42 of baby bottle 40and provide sufficient expansive force for scrubbing against such innersurface 42 of bottle 40 when bristles 30 are positioned within bottle40. Such bristles 30 can flex to pass through restricted opening 41 ofbottle 40.

Brush assembly 10 includes substantially cylindrical and elongatecentral member 11 having first end 11 a and second end 11 b. Saidelongate central member 11 has a longitudinal axis, as well as acircumference about said longitudinal axis. Handle grip 12 is disposedgenerally near end 11 a of said elongate central member 11, whilebristle stem 13 is disposed generally near the opposite end (end 11 b)of said elongate central member 11. In the preferred embodiment, handlegrip 12 is beneficially sized and configured to be gripped in one handof a user, and is preferably made of a durable and resilient grippingmaterial.

Channel 14 is beneficially formed at a desired position along thelongitudinal axis of elongate central member 11 between handle grip 12and bristle stem 13. In the preferred embodiment, channel 14 extendssubstantially around the entire circumference of elongate central member11. Handle grip 12 is preferably molded as a one piece member using arigid, durable polymer material.

A plurality of flexible bristles 30 are affixed to, and extend radiallyoutward from, bristle stem 13. Bristles 30 are preferably made of aflexible material so that said bristles 30 compress to minimizeinterference when bristle stem 13 is inserted or withdrawn throughrestricted opening 41 of bottle 40. After insertion into bottle 40,flexible bristles 30 beneficially expand to contact and exert forceagainst interior surface 42 of bottle 40 during cleaning.

In the preferred embodiment, splash shield assembly 20 has a generallyelongate bell-shaped configuration having an upper section 27 and lowersection 28. Said splash shield assembly 20 is generally tapered, suchthat said splash shield assembly 20 is wider at the bottom and narrowerat the top. Generally wider lower section 28 permits said splash shieldassembly 20 to fit over short, wide bottles, while generally thin uppersection 27 permits said splash shield assembly 20 to fit over long, thinbottles (such as bottle 40 depicted in FIG. 6).

In the preferred embodiment, splash shield assembly 20 further includeslower aperture 21 defining bottom rim 25, and upper aperture 22 definingupper rim 26. Said splash shield assembly 20 is preferably made of apliable yet substantially rigid material embodying a one piece design.Splash shield assembly 20 further defines inner surface 23 and outersurface 24, and is preferably constructed using a substantiallytransparent material that permits objects contained within said splashshield assembly to be visible from outside said splash shield assembly.

Lower aperture 21 is sufficiently large to fit over bristles 30 of brushassembly 10, as well as to permit baby bottle 40 to be inserted into theinterior space formed by splash shield assembly 20. Upper aperture 22 isbeneficially sized and configured so that upper rim 26 can be receivedwithin channel 14 to removably secure splash shield assembly 20 toelongate member 11. Upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20 hassufficient elasticity to permit said upper aperture 22 to stretch aroundthe circumference of handle grip portion 12 of elongate central member11.

FIG. 7 depicts a detailed side view of a portion of the cleaningapparatus of the present invention depicted in FIG. 6. Channel 14 isbeneficially formed at a desired position along the longitudinal axis ofelongate central member 11. In the preferred embodiment, channel 14extends substantially around the entire circumference of elongatecentral member 11. Upper rim 26 formed by upper aperture 22 of splashshield assembly 20 has a smaller diameter than the diameter of elongatecentral member 11 in the immediate vicinity of channel 14. When upperrim 26 is received within channel 14, splash shield assembly 20 isremovably secured to elongate member 11. However, upper aperture 22 hassufficient elasticity so that upper rim 26 can be made to stretch andpull out of groove 14 when removal of splash shield assembly 20 frombrush assembly 10 is desired.

FIG. 8 depicts a side section view of cleaning apparatus 100 of thepresent invention partially inserted in baby bottle 40 during cleaningof said baby bottle 40. Bristles 30 contact inner surface 42 of babybottle 40 and provide sufficient force for scrubbing against such innersurface 42 of bottle 40 when bristles 30 are positioned within bottle40. Such bristles 30 can partially collapse to pass through restrictedopening 41 of bottle 40, then expand after passing through opening 41 ofbottle 40.

Handle grip 12 is beneficially sized and configured to be gripped in onehand of a user, and is preferably made of a durable and resilientgripping material. Application of lateral force to handle grip 12 canforce lower end 11 b of elongate central member (and, more particularly,a number of bristles 30) against an inner surface 42 of bottle 40 forimproved scrubbing.

Channel 14 is beneficially formed at a desired position along thelongitudinal axis of elongate central member 11. In the preferredembodiment, channel 14 extends substantially around the entirecircumference of elongate central member 11. Upper rim 26 formed byupper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20 has a smaller diameterthan the diameter of elongate central member 11 in the immediatevicinity of channel 14 (that is, immediately above and below channel14). When upper rim 26 is received within channel 14, splash shieldassembly 20 is removably secured to elongate member 11.

Lower aperture 21 is sufficiently large to contain bristles 30 of brushassembly 10, as well as to permit baby bottle 40 to be inserted into theinterior space formed by splash shield assembly 20. During cleaning ofbottle 40, brush assembly 10 can be reciprocated within bottle 40;splash shield assembly 20 contains any splashing of liquids or otherdebris or substances caused during the scrubbing process, as well asduring insertion of the scrubbing portion into bottle 40 and/orwithdrawal from said bottle 40.

FIG. 9. depicts a side view of cleaning apparatus 100 of the presentinvention with flexible splash shield assembly 20 flipped back to exposebristles 30 of the present invention. In this position, upper rim 26 isreceived within channel 14 to keep splash shield 20 secured to brushassembly 10. Bristles 30 and inner surface 23 of splash shield assembly20 are exposed and easily accessible, such as for cleaning.

FIG. 10 depicts an exploded perspective view of alternative cleaningassembly 200 of the present invention. Cleaning assembly 200 generallycomprises brush assembly 210 and splash shield assembly 220. Brushassembly 210 includes substantially cylindrical and elongate centralmember 211 having an upper end 211 a, and bristle stem 213.

A plurality of flexible bristles 230 are affixed to, and extend radiallyoutward from, bristle stern 213. In the preferred embodiment, bristles230 are arrayed in multiple bristle sets and collectively define ascrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical in shape, and issized and configured so as to be able to efficiently scrub the inside ofa container such as a baby bottle. Bristles 230 are preferably made of aflexible material so that said bristles 230 bend and/or compress tominimize interference when bristle stem 213 is inserted or withdrawnthrough the opening of a container (such as, for example, a babybottle). After insertion into a bottle or other container, said bristlescan further beneficially expand to exert force against the interiorsurface of such container during cleaning.

In the preferred embodiment, splash shield assembly 220 has a generallyelongate bell-shaped configuration having an upper section 227 and lowersection 228. Said splash shield assembly 220 is generally tapered, suchthat said splash shield assembly 220 is wider at its bottom and narrowerat its top. Relatively wider lower section 228 permits said splashshield assembly 220 to fit over short, wide bottles, while relativelythin upper section 227 permits said splash shield assembly 220 to fitover long, thin bottles.

Splash shield assembly 220 further includes a lower aperture definingbottom rim 225, and an upper aperture defining upper rim 226. Splashshield assembly 220 is preferably made of a pliable yet rigid materialembodying a one piece design. Splash shield assembly 220 further definesinner surface 223 and outer surface 224, and is preferably constructedusing a substantially transparent material that permits objectscontained within said splash shield assembly to be visible from outsidesaid splash shield assembly.

Said lower aperture of splash shield 220 is sufficiently large to fitover bristles 230 of brush assembly 210, as well as to permit acontainer (such as a baby bottle) to be inserted into the interior spaceformed by splash shield assembly 220. Said upper aperture of splashshield 220 is beneficially sized and configured so that upper rim 226can be received within channel 214 to removably secure said splashshield assembly 220 to elongate member 211. Upper rim 226 formed byupper aperture of splash shield assembly 220 has sufficient elasticityto permit said upper rim 220 to stretch around the circumference ofelongate central member 211, yet sufficient rigidity to support cleaningapparatus 200 in an upright position when said apparatus is placed on asubstantially horizontal surface (such as, for example, in a sink or ona kitchen countertop).

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, elongate central member 211 hasthreads 215 disposed near upper end 211 a. Nipple brush stem 216 extendsfrom said threads 215, while bristles 217 extend radially outward fromsaid brush stem 216. In the preferred embodiment, brush stem 216 isstiff, yet capable of partial deflection. Bristles 217 can bebeneficially sized and configured to fit within inner portions ofconventional baby bottle nipples. Such configuration can include,without limitation, a tapered brush shape having a larger diameter atits base and smaller diameter near its distal end or tip.

Substantially hollow handle grip member 240 has lower threaded section241 (adapted to mate and threadedly connect with threads 215 of elongatemember 211), outer surface 242 and inner surface 243 defining an innerchamber or void. Optional drain ports 244 can extend through said handlegrip member 240 from inner surface 242 to outer surface 243. Handle gripmember 240 is beneficially sized and configured to be gripped in onehand of a user, and is preferably made of a durable and resilientgripping material. Cap member 250 has outer surface 252 and innersurface 253 defining an inner chamber or void. Cap member 250 can alsoinclude lower snap extension or shoulder 251.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of alternative embodiment cleaning assembly200 of the present invention depicted in FIG. 10. Brush assembly 210includes elongate central member 211 having bristle stem 213. Channel214 (partially obscured from view in FIG. 11) is beneficially positionedat a desired position along elongate central member 211. A plurality ofbristles 230 extends radially outward from bristle stem 213 of elongatecentral member 211. Bristles 230 are arrayed in multiple bristle sets,and define a scrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical inshape.

When assembled, lower threaded section 241 of handle grip member 240mates and threadedly connects with threads 215 of elongate member 211.Channel 214 is situated near the connection interface between handlegrip member 240 and elongate member 211. Lower snap extension orshoulder 251 of cap member 250 forms a frictional connection with innersurface 243 of handle grip member 240, thereby removably securing saidcap member 250 to the top of handle grip member 240.

The inner chambers of said substantially hollow handle grip member 240and cap member 250 are substantially aligned to form a substantiallycontinuous void space. Nipple brush stem 216 extends though said innerchamber of said substantially hollow grip member 240, and partially intothe inner chamber of cap member 250, As depicted in FIG. 11, nipplebrush bristles 217 are disposed within the inner void space of installedcap member 250.

Splash shield assembly 220 is removably secured to brush assembly 210.In the preferred embodiment, brush assembly 210 is disposed through theupper aperture of splash shield assembly 220, with upper rim 226 ofsplash shield assembly 220 being received within said circumferentialchannel 214 of brush assembly 210. Further, in the preferred embodiment,the base of brush assembly 210 (that is, lowermost end of bristles 230)does not extend below bottom rim 225 of said splash shield assembly 220,thereby permitting said cleaning assembly 200 to stand upright on asubstantially horizontal surface.

Alternative embodiment cleaning assembly 200 of the present inventioncan be stored until use is required; if desired, said cleaning assembly200 can stand upright on a convenient surface (typically near a washingarea) such as in a recessed sink or countertop. When in use, cleaningapparatus 200 of the present invention partially inserted into a babybottle during cleaning of said baby bottle as described. Bristles 230contact the inner surfaces of said baby bottle and provide sufficientcontact force for scrubbing against such inner surface of said babybottle when bristles 230 are positioned within said baby bottle. Suchbristles 230 can partially collapse to pass through a restricted openingof such baby bottle, and thereafter expand after passing through saidopening.

In addition to permitting cleaning of internal surfaces of baby bottles,alternative embodiment cleaning assembly 200 of the present inventionalso permits easy and efficient cleaning of conventional baby bottlenipples and bottle caps. Specifically, cap 250 can be quickly and easilyremoved to expose brush bristles 217. Said nipple brush bristles 217 canthen be used to scrub or otherwise clean surfaces of conventional babybottle nipples, including internal surfaces thereof which can frequentlybe difficult to reach. If desired, a user can grip said cleaningassembly 200 by gripping (and partially collapsing) splash shield 220.Cap 250 can then be replaced to cover and protect said bristles 217.

Various components of alternative embodiment cleaning assembly 200 canbe easily disassembled for thorough cleaning, which is particularlyimportant when said assembly is used on or in connection with babybottles. Handle grip member 240 can be unscrewed or otherwisedisconnected from brush assembly 210, permitting easy removal of splashshield 220. Cap 250 can likewise be removed from handle grip member 240.All of said components can be separately cleaned (whether by hand or inan automated dishwasher or other appliance) and thereafter reassembledfor later use.

Design features of the present invention permit efficient drainage ofresidual water or moisture following use (wherein water is typicallyused to scrub baby bottles, nipples or other items) or cleaning ofalternative embodiment assembly 200. Because brush assembly 210(including, without limitation, bristles 230) does not extend beyondbottom rim 225 of splash shield 220, said brush assembly 210 need not beretracted or otherwise adjusted for the cleaning assembly of the presentinvention to stand upright (such as in a recessed sink or kitchencounter). Further, bottom rim 225 at the base of splash shield 220 isflared outward to permit water or moisture to drain off of the outersurface of splash shield 220 and away from cleaning assembly 200. Anyresidual water or moisture on nipple brush bristles 217 or otherwisepresent within handle member 240 can drain through drain ports 244.Water or moisture retained on bristles 230 or inner surface 223 ofsplash shield 220 can evaporate through optional evaporation ports 229extending through said splash shield depicted in FIG. 11.

The above-described invention has a number of particular features thatshould preferably be employed in combination, although each is usefulseparately without departure from the scope of the invention. While thepreferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and describedherein, it will be understood that the invention may be embodiedotherwise than herein specifically illustrated or described, and thatcertain changes in form and arrangement of parts and the specific mannerof practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea orprinciples of the invention.

What is claimed:
 1. An apparatus for cleaning the interior of a bottlecomprising: a. a brush assembly comprising: i) a handle; ii) a bristlestem having a top, a bottom and a length, connected to said handle; iii)a plurality of bristles affixed to said bristle stem; b. a flexiblesplash shield having an upper end defining an aperture, a base and atleast one evaporation port extending through said splash shield, whereinsaid brush assembly is disposed through said aperture of said splashshield, and said base extends beyond the bottom of said brush assemblyand bristles, and flares radially outward.
 2. The cleaning apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said bristles comprise a plurality of bristle setscoupled to said bristle stem and extending radially outward from saidbristle stem.
 3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bristlestem and bristles are adapted to be insertable into the interior of abottle.
 4. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein said bristle setsextend from said bristle stem in a substantially cylindricalconfiguration.
 5. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said splashshield defines an interior space adapted to at least partially surrounda bottle in a shielded position.
 6. An apparatus for cleaning theinterior of a bottle comprising: a. a brush assembly comprising: i) asubstantially hollow handle defining an inner chamber; ii) a nipplebrush at least partially disposed within said inner chamber of saidhandle; iii) a bristle stem having a top, a bottom and a length,connected to said handle; iv) a plurality of bristles affixed to saidbristle stem; b. a flexible splash shield having an upper end definingan aperture, a base and at least one evaporation port extending throughsaid splash shield, wherein said brush assembly is disposed through saidaperture of said splash shield, and said base extends beyond the bottomof said brush assembly and bristles, and flares radially outward.
 7. Thecleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein said bristles comprise aplurality of bristle sets coupled to said bristle stem and extendingradially outward from said bristle stem.
 8. The cleaning apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein said bristle stem and bristles are adapted to beinsertable into the interior of a bottle.
 9. The cleaning apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein said bristle sets extend from said bristle stem in asubstantially cylindrical configuration.
 10. The cleaning apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein said splash shield defines an interior space adapted toat least partially surround a bottle in a shielded position.
 11. Thecleaning apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a removable cap atleast partially covering said nipple brush.
 12. The cleaning apparatusof claim 6, further comprising at least one drain port extending fromsaid inner chamber of said handle to an outer surface of said handle.13. The cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein said nipple brush has alower end and an upper end, and is wider at said lower end than saidupper end.